Near East Couscous Mix Original Plain offers a quick and easy way to bring Mediterranean-style pasta to your dinner table. This versatile side dish consists of small semolina wheat granules that cook to fluffy perfection in just 5 minutes. The Original Plain variety provides a neutral base that can be customized with various spices and ingredients to create unique flavor combinations.
The mix comes in a convenient 10-ounce box and requires minimal preparation. Simply add boiling water, a touch of salt, and olive oil or butter to achieve the ideal texture. Once cooked, the couscous pairs well with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to vegetable stews.
Near East’s Original Plain Couscous Mix allows home cooks to explore Mediterranean cuisine without extensive cooking knowledge or time commitment. Its adaptability makes it a pantry staple for those seeking quick, wholesome meal solutions that can be easily tailored to personal tastes and preferences.
What Is Couscous?
Couscous is a small, granular pasta made from semolina wheat. It originates from North African cuisine and has become popular worldwide as a versatile side dish or ingredient.
Traditionally, couscous was hand-rolled and steamed. Modern couscous is precooked and dried, making it quick and easy to prepare.
The texture of couscous is light and fluffy when prepared correctly. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
Couscous is typically made from durum wheat semolina. This gives it a high protein content and makes it a nutritious choice for many diets.
There are different sizes of couscous available:
- Fine
- Medium (most common)
- Large (also called Israeli or pearl couscous)
Near East Original Plain Couscous is made from 100% semolina wheat. It cooks to fluffy perfection in just 5 minutes, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
Couscous can be used in various ways:
- As a side dish
- In salads
- As a base for main courses
- In desserts
Its neutral flavor allows it to absorb the tastes of other ingredients, making it highly adaptable in cooking.
History and Brand
Near East began as a small family-owned company in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1962. George and Hannah Kalajian, Armenian immigrants to the United States, founded the business.
Hannah Kalajian created the first Near East pilaf, which set the standard for the company’s commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors. This dedication to excellence has remained a cornerstone of the brand.
Over the years, Near East expanded its product line to include various rice mixes, couscous, and other grain-based dishes. The company’s offerings now feature a range of flavors and styles inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Near East takes pride in maintaining the same care and high-quality ingredients in its products today as it did with Hannah Kalajian’s original pilaf. This consistency has helped build consumer trust and loyalty.
The brand’s couscous products, including the Original Plain variety, have become popular in the United States as interest in international cuisines has grown. Near East continues to innovate while staying true to its roots in authentic, flavorful, and convenient meal options.
Preparation and Cooking
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix offers quick and versatile cooking options. The product can be prepared using standard stovetop methods, microwave directions, or low-fat techniques to suit different preferences and dietary needs.
Cooking Instructions
To prepare Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix on the stovetop, bring water and optional salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Use 1 cup of water for each cup of couscous. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous along with olive oil or butter.
Cover the pan and let it stand for 5 minutes. This allows the couscous to absorb the water and become tender. After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains.
The couscous is now ready to serve. It can be enjoyed as is or used as a base for various recipes.
Microwave Directions
Microwave preparation offers a convenient alternative for quick cooking. Start by combining water and optional salt in a 2-quart microwave-safe glass casserole dish. For a single serving, use about 1/3 cup of water.
Microwave on high until the water boils. This takes approximately 2 minutes for one serving, 4-5 minutes for two servings, or 9-10 minutes for the entire box. Cooking times may vary depending on microwave power.
After boiling, add the couscous and olive oil or butter. Stir to combine, then cover the dish and let it stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Low Fat Directions
For a lower-fat option, simply omit the olive oil or butter from the standard cooking instructions. Begin by bringing water to a boil in a saucepan or microwave as directed above.
Add the couscous to the boiling water, stir, and cover. Let it stand for 5 minutes off the heat. The couscous will absorb the water and become tender without added fats.
After 5 minutes, fluff the couscous with a fork. To add flavor without fat, consider using low-sodium broth instead of water or adding fresh herbs and lemon juice after cooking.
Nutritional Profile
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix offers a nutrient-dense option for those seeking a versatile grain product. This section examines the serving size, key nutrients, and vitamin and mineral content of this couscous mix.
Serving Size
The typical serving size for Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix is 1/3 cup dry (56 grams). When prepared, this expands to approximately 1 cup of cooked couscous. This serving size provides a substantial base for meals while remaining moderate in caloric content.
The cooked volume makes it easy to portion and incorporate into various dishes. It’s important to note that nutritional values are often based on the dry weight, so consumers should adjust their calculations if measuring cooked couscous.
Nutrient Content
A single serving of Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix contains 220 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is:
- Carbohydrates: 46g (82% of calories)
- Protein: 8g (14% of calories)
- Fat: 1g (4% of calories)
This composition makes the couscous mix a primarily carbohydrate-based food, with a notable protein content. The low fat content contributes to its relatively low calorie density compared to other grains.
The mix provides about 4 grams of fiber per serving, supporting digestive health. It’s also low in sugar, making it suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix contains several essential vitamins and minerals:
- Iron: A significant source, supporting oxygen transport in the body
- Calcium: Present in small amounts, contributing to bone health
- B vitamins: Including thiamin and niacin, important for energy metabolism
While not a significant source of vitamins A or C, the couscous mix can be paired with vegetables to create a more nutritionally complete meal. The product is often enriched, which enhances its nutritional profile beyond that of unenriched wheat products.
Its mineral content makes it a valuable addition to balanced diets, especially for those looking to increase their iron intake through plant-based sources.
Ingredients Analysis
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix contains a simple blend of wheat-based ingredients. The product’s composition focuses on providing a versatile base for various dishes while maintaining a neutral flavor profile.
Main Ingredients
The primary component of Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix is couscous itself. Couscous is made from durum wheat semolina, formed into tiny granules. This process gives couscous its unique texture and quick-cooking properties.
Water is another key ingredient, essential for preparing the couscous. Some versions may include a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oils to enhance texture and prevent sticking.
Salt is often included in the mix to provide basic seasoning. However, the amount is typically minimal, allowing users to adjust the flavor to their preferences.
Wheat Ingredients
Durum wheat semolina forms the foundation of couscous. This type of wheat is prized for its high protein content and firm texture, making it ideal for pasta products.
The semolina is processed into fine granules, which gives couscous its characteristic appearance and texture. This processing method allows the couscous to absorb water quickly and evenly.
Some couscous mixes may contain wheat flour in addition to semolina. This can help improve the texture and binding properties of the final product.
It’s important to note that due to its wheat content, Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix is not gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product.
Culinary Uses
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix offers versatile applications in both traditional and innovative dishes. Its neutral flavor and quick preparation make it an ideal canvas for a variety of culinary creations.
Traditional Recipes
Couscous serves as a staple in North African cuisine. In Morocco, it’s often paired with slow-cooked stews called tagines. These hearty dishes combine tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. The couscous absorbs the flavorful juices, creating a satisfying meal.
Tunisian couscous typically features fish or lamb with vegetables and a spicy harissa sauce. In Algeria, couscous might be served with roasted meats and a rich tomato-based sauce.
For a simple side dish, couscous can be fluffed with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint. This light preparation complements grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
Creative Variations
Beyond traditional uses, Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix adapts well to fusion cuisine and modern recipes. It can replace rice in stuffed peppers or serve as a base for cold salads.
Try a Mediterranean-inspired bowl with couscous, grilled chicken, feta cheese, cucumbers, and a yogurt dressing. For a vegetarian option, mix cooked couscous with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, and a tahini sauce.
Couscous can also be used in desserts. Sweeten it with honey, cinnamon, and dried fruits for a unique twist on rice pudding. Or create a breakfast bowl by combining couscous with milk, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
In casseroles, couscous adds texture and absorbs flavors beautifully. Mix it with ground meat, tomatoes, and spices for a quick one-pot meal.
Dietary Information
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix offers a nutritious grain option for various dietary needs. This product is low in fat, containing only 4% of calories from fat.
A 1/3 cup dry serving (56g) provides 220 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is approximately 82% carbohydrates, 14% protein, and 4% fat.
When prepared as directed, a serving of couscous with olive oil contains:
- Total Fat: 3.5g (0.5g Saturated, 0g Trans)
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g (2g Dietary Fiber, 0g Sugars)
- Protein: 8g
This couscous mix is Kosher Certified, making it suitable for those following kosher dietary guidelines.
To prepare, simply follow the low-fat directions on the package. This typically involves adding boiling water or broth to the dry mix and letting it stand for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
The product contains no added sugars and is low in sodium, making it a versatile base for many recipes. It can be easily customized with vegetables, herbs, or proteins to create a balanced meal.
Shelf Life and Storage
Near East Original Plain Couscous Mix is a shelf-stable product. When stored properly, it can maintain its quality for an extended period.
Unopened packages of this couscous mix typically have a shelf life of up to two years. The “best by” date printed on the package indicates when the product is at its peak quality.
To maximize shelf life, store the couscous mix in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or kitchen cupboard is ideal.
Once opened, transfer any unused couscous to an airtight container. This helps protect it from moisture and pests, ensuring freshness for several months.
Cooked couscous has a much shorter shelf life. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container and consume within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.
For longer storage, cooked couscous can be frozen:
- Allow it to cool completely
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags
- Label with the date
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw frozen couscous in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming stored couscous, such as off-odors or visible mold.